Source
Research and Development Unit, Primary Health Care in Southern Bohuslän County, Krokslätts vårdcentral, Mölndal, Sweden. aina.granath@vgregion.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effect of a land-based, physical exercise program versus water aerobics on low back or pelvic pain and sick leave during pregnancy.
DESIGN:
Randomized controlled clinical trial.
SETTING:
Three antenatal care centers.
PARTICIPANTS:
390 healthy pregnant women.
INTERVENTIONS:
A land-based physical exercise program or water aerobic once a week during pregnancy.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Sick leave, pregnancy-related low back pain or pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, or both.
RESULTS:
Water aerobics diminished pregnancy-related low back pain (p=.04) and sick leave due to pregnancy-related low back pain (p=.03) more than a land-based physical exercise program.
CONCLUSIONS:
Water aerobics can be recommended for the treatment of low back pain during pregnancy. The benefits of a land-based physical exercise program are questionable and further evaluation is needed.